AN INVITATION TO STRENGTHEN YOUTH MINISTRY & HONOR BISHOP ROB
Bishop Rob has one retirement wish: to strengthen and expand ministry with children and youth. The Fund for Youth Ministry honors his fourteen years of faithful service by investing in the next generation of disciples.
At a time when many young people are searching for belonging and connection, we are called to create communities where they are known, loved, and invited to grow in the love of Jesus.
The Fund for Youth Ministry reimagines what is possible for children and youth within and beyond our churches. Your support will help the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire build and sustain ministries where young people are welcomed, supported, and empowered to grow in faith.
Our Goal
To create a permanent resource that will support spiritual formation, leadership development, and innovative ministries that meet young people where they are.
We Need
$500,000 to establish an endowment that will provide approximately $24,000 annually for youth ministry.
Your gift will make a difference.
Please take 4 minutes to listen to our campaign video.
In August 2026, Bishop Rob led a workshop at St. Andrew’s Hopkinton “Make Your Mark” art camp. Resources from this Youth Fund might help churches with robust youth programs mentor smaller churches to build their own children’s programming.
YOUTH MINISTRY PRAYER
For Young Persons
God our Father, you see your children growing up in an unsteady and confusing world: Show them that your ways give more life than the ways of the world, and that following you is better than chasing after selfish goals. Help them to take failure, not as a measure of their worth, but as a chance for a new start. Give them strength to hold their faith in you, and to keep alive their joy in your creation; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Book of Common Prayer, p. 829
HOW WILL WE GET THERE?
In October 2026, we received over 100 Youth Ministry surveys from across the diocese. We will carefully analyze these results as we move into the planning and building phases over the next year.
We are building Noah’s Ark before the animals arrive. And we believe that if we build it, they will come.
CAMPAIGN CO-CHAIRS
The Rev. Nicole Benevenia
Our children and youth have spiritual needs, questions, and hunger now. The Fund for Youth Ministry will provide them with more of this nourishment, meeting them exactly where they are. When we commit to increasing resources, attention, worship, and formation opportunities for children and youth, we are also helping to build a future framework for our young people that holds up under the pressure of life's joys, sorrows, and changes. As a priest, as a parent, and as a member of Christ's body, I am honored to join this crucial work - work that is an act of hope for the present and a promise for the future.
~The Rev. Nicole Benevenia, Associate Rector, Christ Church Exeter & Campaign Co-chair
The Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen
The Spirit is alive and thriving among the Youth of the Episcopal Church of New Hampshire. Teens, middle schoolers, and young children are curious about how God is showing up in their lives and the world as they live into “Belonging and Thriving in the Love of Jesus”! They are showing forth God’s courage, compassion, and resurrection life throughout diocesan ministries. I am thrilled to participate in the work of The Fund for Youth Ministry as we commit more fully to supporting the walk of young people in Jesus’ way of love today and in the future. It is a gift to witness them claim their relationship with God. For generations to come, may we have eyes to see and ears to listen to our gifted Youth.
~ The Rev. Alanna Van Antwerpen, Missioner, SpiritBound Faith Digital Mission & Campaign Co-Chair